Raft River students create flashmob video

Grades 4-7 students at Raft River Elementary rehearse scenes for a flashmob video in an effort to raise funds to revitalize the back courtyard at the school.

Raft River students want your vote.

The Raft River Parents Advisory Committee (PAC) along with the help of grades 4-7 students and two former CSS students from Mr. Menard’s video class produced a Flashmob video to enter an idea into the Aviva Community Fund to help revitalize the back courtyard at their School.

The Aviva Community Fund is giving away $1,000,000 for ideas to create positive change in Canada and Raft River PAC is looking for your vote to help them win.

“Raft River PAC has been working towards funding for the revitalization of the back courtyard for the intermediate grades,” said chairperson Sabine Cooperman. “Currently with 300 students, the one playground area in the front is too small. Last January, we provided the intermediate students with several design options,” she said. “And then they voted on what they wanted.”

“The courtyard is not landscaped and currently consists of two picnic tables, broken pavement, two basketball hoops without nets and a small climbing feature. The PAC would like to see sophisticated play equipment that is designed for older kids, as well as bench seating including some with inlayed board games and landscaping — something for everyone,” said Cooperman.

“Raft River PAC has approached several playground companies for designs, equipment and prices.”

“If funding is successful the project will include paving of court areas for hockey, handball and tennis. As well as new pieces of play equipment potentially including an Explorer Dome, Galaxy Supernova and Galaxy Spica’s. All equipment will be wheelchair accessible.

“The courtyard will be dedicated to Courtney and Skye Buck, a couple who tragically lost their lives in a car accident last year. Both were local Clearwater school teachers, prominent and well known members of the Clearwater community.

With the permission of the School District, and both families of Skye and Courtney Buck, the students unanimously voted to dedicate the courtyard to the two teachers, noted Cooperman in a press release.

The two teachers showed what their true love was – teaching students. They both had a spirit of leadership and were amazing influences on our school community.”

“We’ve been busy writing grants,” said PAC treasurer Samantha Braaten. “We’ve received a grant from North Thompson Community Foundation as well as donations from the BID Group of Companies, Canfor, Steelworkers Community Fund and Yellowhead Community Services. Support has also been received from United Way, District of Clearwater, TRU Athletics Department, RBC, SD #73 and NEST Timber Home Designs. As well, Raft River PAC through the students, have been fundraising at various events such as Movie Night at the school, selling Kicking Horse Coffee, Purdy’s Chocolates and more. Anyone wishing to help with the project can drop off a donation at Raft River School. A tax receipt will be issued by the School Board office in Kamloops, for any amount exceeding $20,” said Braaten.

Total cost of the revitalized courtyard is expected to be close to $120,000.

“We hope to get some of the funding from Aviva Community Fund,” said Braaten.

Thousands of ideas compete for a piece of the $1,000,000 during the course of a three month competition.

Will Raft River be a winner of the Avia Community Fund? The group is asking for your vote. Starting Sept. 30 you can go to avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf17236 and cast your vote. There are three qualifying rounds. Round 1 is Sept. 30 to Oct. 14. If enough votes are posted we go on to Round 2, Oct. 21 – Nov. 4. and then Round 3, Nov. 11 – Nov. 25. Semi-finalists will be notified Nov. 28 and will have five days to update their ideas before the semi-final voting period.

“You must be 18 years or older and registered in to the site to vote. Click on the “Vote now” button on Courtney and Skye acf17236. You can also register through your Facebook account and vote directly from the Aviva Community Fund page at Facebook.com/AvivaCommunityFund or you can go the Faceook page for Raft River PAC and follow the link,” said Braaten.

You are allowed to cast 15 votes during each of the three qualifying rounds and another 15 votes during the Semi-Finals but you can only vote for each idea once a day. You can not vote on behalf of someone else.

Judging of the ideas will be based on impact – 25 per cent; likelihood of success – 15 per cent; longevity and sustainability – 30 per cent; originality – 5 per cent; submission quality – 10 per cent and votes – 15 per cent. If a broker votes for an idea, it’s automatically entered into the brokerage competition, giving it another chance to win funding.

Raft River Pac wants you to reach out to family and friends so show their support.